What happened to flat like a lake? Where did this wind come from? Pleeeeeese. Well, it wasn’t that bad. We have been so spoiled the last few days we should have known it would all be too good to be true. In reality, it wasn’t bad at all. Choppy with “crisp” swells. Some white caps. Nothing like some of the crossings we have had to Catalina.

We were pleased to pull into the marina. It is also almost empty. Usually we back in but I had read that you could sit in the marina and watch the freighters go right by. Kelley was sweet and we pulled in nose first. And sure enough, the book wasn’t lying.

This was just one of many that wen by.

There is also game here called “Catch the Log.” The dockmaster throws an anchor and slowly drags the huge piece of wood to shore. There is a slip that is filled with  similar pieces. Wonder if they build new docks from this wood?

We strolled through town; perhaps 20 minutes. When you start into the town there is a huge carving. It is called Passage Keeper:

We loved this sign in front of a house and thought that many of our friends on Balboa Island or out on the Peninsula might want to copy the idea.

But, dinner out tonight. We are celebrating a birthday!

Tomorrow we plan to go to Harbor Island and anchor for a couple of days. We need peace and quiet. Cruising takes a lot out of you. (Sure!) I will continue to write, but I will have to upload the pieces when we get Internet again.

From Thunder Bay to Rogers City we saw a couple of beautiful lighthouses. Michigan has a program that lets people rent them for a few days. Wouldn’t that be fun?

The lake has been so calm. Our days have been filled with reading, working puzzles,  knitting, looking for something to take of a picture of, checking for fishing stakes, and, of course, dining on gourmet meals. I don’t think it can get much better than this.

We reach Rogers City and the dockmaster is so happy to host us. We are his only transient. He told us that last year was very slow and this year is “dead.” We wonder if it is because the weather isn’t great. This is their weather, we are told. Michigan needs are help. We are pleased that we are here to to do our part. I wish all of our friends could be here with us cruising and enjoying this beautiful state.

We start our walk into town and we can’t miss this opportunity. This is from a ship that sank…we thought we would let Tom Murphy know that his props arrived and they are the perfect size for Prime Time.

A street of flags greets us.

We wandered around Rogers City (maybe took 30 minutes); hurried back because it was drizzling; made waypoints for the spots that we want to visit in the North Channel and the Georgian Bay, and then, during cocktails, the band started playing.

Yep, Thursday and Friday nights in the park which is adjacent to the marina there is a free concert. Patriotic music, soft dancing music. It was great.

And what we found interesting is that most of the audience drive into the parking lot, stay in their cars or trucks, and we couldn’t hear applause, but we heard horn honking! It really was a treat.

And now Prime Time is at home for the night.

So, the plan is that we will leave for DeTour Village. We will be crossing the Straits of Mackinaw. Yes, THE STRAITS.

We want to share with you, one of many to come, we hope. Thanks for joining us on this voyage.

Off the dock by 6:30. Again the Lake was beautiful. Today’s trip was only 65 miles (can you believe that I am saying “only”?). Uneventful, except for the stowaways. My goodness where do these flies come from? When we reached the dock I was afraid that there would be bugs, but the dock master told me that the bugs are only out on the lake. He is right!

We did a quick walk through town. There is a yarn store but when we were there it was closed!!!

The Coast Guard Auxillary was here – appartently practicing rescues. But, Kelley caught a few images after they had a celebration.

And a closer look: Whatever is in his hand!

The marina is empty. Apparently Thunder Bay is off the beaten track. There was suppose to be a storm coming through tonight the forecast is for tomorrow. Since it isn’t suppose to be extreme, we plan to get up early and make the then 55 miles to Roger’s City.

Here we are for the night (darkness doesn’t fall until almost 10).

Yesterday, Monday,  was so foggy. We were waiting for 2 workmen to show up (neither did) but since we knew that would be leaving in the morning, we filled our tanks: – $2.74 a gallon. I have lost all sense of value. I filled the rental car with gas for that price. But, as I often hear, “this is a once in a lifetime trip.”

Another boat at the Club left to go to the Lake and returned. He said that the fog was really thick. I hate fog – I remember the 4 hours of inching our way through the Chespeake. Up the Bridge to Bay trail, which goes along the St. Clair River to Lake Huron. At the bridge the fog was so thick.

Along the walk there is the Huron Lighthouse boat. And the people of Michigan were out in full force, enjoying the sun that was peeking through the fog. .

We decided that if there was a hint of sun we would leave early in the morning – there was not a hint but a full blast in your face “look at me!” I made coffee; we dressed; and before having coffee we were off the dock.

As you enter or exit the Black River this is the landmark that you look for. (Last year there was a lighted star at the top). We went out the Black River and into St. Clair River. Not a boat in sight.

We “fought” the current and entered the lake. Our last experience on the Lake Huron was quite bumpy. This was the opposite. Kelley kept saying , “It’s as flat as a lake.”  We didn’t see any freighters or boats that weren’t miles away. We don’t know where the people are…maybe we aren’t suppose to be here.

Our planned trip of 33 miles to Port Sanilac changed to 65 miles to Harbor Beach, and because all was so great, to 90 miles to Port Austin.  We arrived at 4. And glad to be off the boat.

There was exercise for Kelley. You know Kelley. How long can he sit, even when he is on the boat?

There were flies. Annoying black flies; not the kind that bite…just hang around. We have screens,but they kept sneaking in. I am not sure who was the bigger pest, the fly or the swatter.

Rounding the “thumb” we came upon the Port Austin Reef Light. I give you the light:

If people don’t read their charts they would be in very unhappy. This light is way out from the land and one would guess that you could sneak on by, but there are spots before the harbor that are 2 feet.

Here we are for the night.